Perched above Florence with sweeping views of the Arno Valley, Villa San Michele, A Belmond Hotel will reopen on April 28th, following an 18-month restoration that celebrates its Renaissance roots.
Once a 15th-century Franciscan monastery, the property reemerges as a sanctuary of art, craftsmanship, and nature, reimagined under the creative direction of Luigi Fragola Architects in collaboration with Belmond’s design team.
Preserving history and tradition
The renovation preserves the villa’s Michelangelo-inspired façade, arched terrace, and original chapel, cloister, and loggias, while unveiling 39 redesigned rooms and suites layered with hand-finished details and rare artifacts.
The interiors draw from the region’s artisanal traditions, through the use of Tuscan marble, terracotta, wood, and ceramics paired with soft textiles in natural hues.
Three new suites at Villa San Michele
A trio of new signature suites anchor the redesign. The Limonaia Suite, located in the former orangery, evokes the charm of a private Fiesole villa with an eclectic collection of art, personal library, and private garden with a heated plunge pool.
The Grand Tour Suite, once Napoleon Bonaparte’s private residence, spans the entire first floor. The accommodation features neoclassical tapestries, antique furnishings, and a chalky neutral palette that bridges past and present. The Botanica Suite, meanwhile, takes inspiration from the surrounding gardens, courtesy of frescoed boiserie, scagliola tables crafted by Bianco Bianchi, and botanical motifs that celebrate the interplay of art and nature.
Other accommodations, including the Monastery Suite and Chapel Room, maintain the villa’s architectural character while introducing handmade tapestries, natural textures, and a refined, meditative atmosphere.
The debut of Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain
The property will also debut the Villa San Michele Spa by Guerlain, a tranquil new retreat that draws from Tuscan nature and the French maison’s heritage of wellness.
Accessible through a “secret garden” entrance adorned with handpainted frescoes by artist Elena Carozzi, the spa will boast three treatment rooms, including a double suite, surrounded by onyx, straw marquetry, natural stone, and polished marble.
The reimagined gardens
The hotel’s 2.4-acre terraced gardens, reimagined by Luca Ghezzi Garden Design, have been renewed with hidden nooks, fresh viewpoints, and Renaissance blooms such as roses, iris, and citrus trees, long favored by the Medici family.
The gardens flow seamlessly into the Leonardo woodlands, named for Da Vinci, who tested his flying machines in the surrounding hills, offering guests new paths for exploration and reflection.
Partnerships and F&B at Villa San Michele
A partnership with Italian lifestyle brand La DoubleJ adds a spirited layer to the guest experience, introducing custom-designed spaces and wellness programming that will span yoga, sound healing, and energy-focused workshops curated by founder JJ Martin.
Culinary experiences are led by executive chef Alessandro Cozzolino, whose new gastronomic restaurant celebrates Tuscan flavors across three dining spaces that each frame Florence’s iconic skyline.
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